Cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum Linn. Maton) Seeds in Health

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a report on cardamom seeds and their health benefits. As a spice, cardamom is used for culinary purposes in curry, coffee, cakes, and bread and for flavoring sweet dishes and drinks. The seeds and the essential oil are used as a flavoring component in a variety of foods. Medicinally, cardamom has been used locally in India and some other Asian countries to treat depression, some heart disorders, dysentery, and diarrhea. It has also been used to counter vomiting and nausea. The seed, which is where the essential oils are mainly found, has potential applications as an antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant, and is also reported to act as an efficient skin permeation enhancer for certain drugs. The essential oils from the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum have been reported to show good skin permeation activity for certain drugs. The oils from Elettaria cardamomum seeds exhibited in vitro anticarcinogenic activity by inhibiting the formation of DNA adducts by aflatoxin B1 in a microsomal enzyme-mediated reaction. The extracts from Elettaria cardamomum exhibited antimicrobial activity against oral microbes. Elettaria cardamomum seed extract is one of the ingredients of the polyherbal formulation used for treating the dementia of Alzheimer's disease. The extract is also used in herbal combinations to treat anxiety, tension, and insomnia. The seed extract finds applications in some of the herbal-based cosmetic formulations, which include skin-whitening, anti-dandruff, hair-shine, and hair-growth preparations. Due to the extensive appliance of cardamom, its production needs to be increased by adopting modern technology. It is believed by some that its overuse could cause impotence. On the other hand, a daily dose is said to maintain general health and improve eyesight.